What is Retin A?

Retin A Cream (Tretinoin cream) is a prescription medication which is used to treat pimples and acne and to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, roughness and improving skin color. Retin A Cream affects the growth of skin cells but will not reverse the ageing from sun exposure or repair sun-damaged skin.

This medication is used to control acne but it does not cure it. During the first 7 to 10 days of use, your acne may get worse and regular use of this cream is needed before you will see a visual improvement. When used to treat wrinkles, spotty discoloration or rough skin, it can take between 3 and 6 months before noticeable improvement. 

How to use Retin A Cream

Before using Retin A Cream, you should gently clean your face with a mild  cleanser and then pat dry your skin. Wait between 20 and 30 minutes after cleaning before applying a small, pea sized amount of cream to your face. This will be just enough to cover your entire face lightly. Take care to avoid your eyes, nostrils and mouth. Do not wash your face or apply any other skincare products for at least an hour after using this cream.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Gently clean your face before you begin using a mild or soap-less cleanser. Pat  your skin dry and wait 20 between 30 minutes before applying the Retin A Cream.
• Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with a mild soap before applying.
• Use clean fingertips in order to apply a pea-sized amount of cream to your face. This should be just enough to cover your entire face lightly. Take care to avoid getting the cream in your eyes, nostrils or mouth.
• Retin A Cream is typically used once a day, and should be applied before bedtime. You should not use this cream more often than prescribed as it will not give faster or better results, but will not however, increase your risk of developing redness, peeling or pain.
• After using tretinoin cream, do not wash your face or use any other skin product for at least an hour.
• Retin A Cream should not be applied to cut, scraped, sunburned or eczema-affected skin.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies or if you are allergic to fish.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially any history of eczema, actinic keratoses, skin cancer or any other skin condition.
• If you are pregnant, planning on pregnancy or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using tretinoin cream, inform your doctor.

Also be aware that:

• This cream can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light. and wear sunglasses and sunscreen when needed.
• Weather extremes including wind or cold can be particularly irritating to your skin.
• This medication does not show immediate results. It may take 6 weeks to see the full effect of this cream for acne, or 6 months when used to treat fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration, and rough feeling skin.

Common tretinoin side effects may include but are not limited to:

• A warm feeling on the affected area.
• Stinging or a change in the color of the skin on the affected area.
• During the first ten days of use, dry skin, redness, swelling, blisters or peeling.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects of Retin A Cream:

• A skin reaction which is very bad and does not go away.
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as rashes, hives, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat.

Q: How long does it take Retin A Cream to work?
This medication does not show immediate results. It may take 6 weeks to see the full effect of this cream for acne, or 6 months when used to treat fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration, and rough feeling skin.

Q: Can I wear make up with Retin A Cream?
A: You can still wear make up unless specifically advised not to by your doctor. If you are using make up, clean the area to be treated before using this cream.

Q: What is the strength of Retin A Cream?
A: Retin A Cream is available in 0.05% and 0.025% strength. Generic alternative, Tretinoin Cream is also available in 0.1% strength.

Q: What should I do if I forget a dose of Retin A Cream?
A: Apply tretinoin cream as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip your missed dose. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed dose.